- Vientiane, Laos
- Full-time
- Contract type: International Contract
Company Description
We are SNV
SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. We are driven by a vision of a better world: A world where across every society all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. To make this vision a reality, we need transformations in vital agri-food, energy, and water systems. SNV contributes by strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships in these sectors. We help strengthen institutions and governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises (SNV themes).
Building on 60 years of experience we support our partners with technical and process expertise and methodological rigour. We do this in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia with a team of approximately 1,600 colleagues. By being adaptable and tailoring our approaches to these different contexts, we can contribute to impact at scale, resulting in more equitable lives for all.
Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion are fundamental to who we are and what we do. This is reflected in our vision, mission, and strategy, which set out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.
Our CARE principles—Committed to Impact, Adaptive to Context, Respecting Differences, and Expertise in Practice—are at the heart of who we are and the work we do. These principles are embedded in our vision, mission, and strategy, which serve as our compass guiding us towards 2030.
For more information on SNV, please refer to our website: www.snv.org
Job Description
Who you are
If you are an impact-driven development leader, SNV Laos is eager to welcome you as our new Country Program Leader.
In this pivotal role, you will lead the strategic growth and quality of SNV Laos’ program portfolio across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors. Reporting to the Country Director, you will shape and steer innovative programming, manage a diverse portfolio, and represent SNV with current and potential donors and partners.
You will:
- Lead and coach a team of 30 project staff and 5 active projects, with several more in the pipeline. Your leadership ensures strong alignment between SNV’s mission and the technical quality of all programs.
- Drive innovative growth of the portfolio by envisioning new program directions and capitalizing on strategic opportunities in collaboration with our global and regional teams.
- Represent SNV externally, nurturing relationships with donors, partners, and national stakeholders, while ensuring our work remains relevant, responsive, and impactful.
- Monitor and enhance program performance, overseeing implementation, using SNV’s MEL frameworks to generate learning and insights, and fostering communities of practice across strategic areas.
- Contribute to business development, translating opportunities into strong concept notes and proposals in collaboration with colleagues in The Hague, SNV country offices, and external partners.
Position Overview
The Country Program Leader – Agrifood, Energy and Water is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, quality, and performance of SNV Lao PDR’s multi-sectoral program portfolio. The Country Program Leader will oversee sector teams, strengthen program integration and learning, support business development, and represent SNV to national and international stakeholders. As a key member of the Country Management Team (CMT) the position reports to the Country Director and will ensure that programs contribute meaningfully to SNV’s 2025–2030 Strategy and impact goals.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Program Quality
- Lead and provide strategic oversight across the Agri-food, Energy, and Water programs.
- Align sector strategies with SNV Lao PDR’s long-term outcomes, ensuring cross-sectoral integration of climate adaptation, gender equality, and private sector engagement.
- Oversee the design and implementation of high-quality programs, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and SNV standards.
- Foster learning and reflection using Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks to continuously improve program outcomes.
- Team Leadership and Staff Development
- Lead, coach, and mentor a diverse team of technical advisors and project managers, building capacity for adaptive and inclusive approaches.
- Serve as project manager for designated projects when required and take on project management responsibilities when necessary.
- Nurture a collaborative and performance-oriented culture, promoting the professional development of staff.
- Ensure the wellbeing and safety of staff, adhering to SNV’s policies and procedures.
- Stakeholder Engagement and External Representation
- Represent SNV to government institutions, donors, development partners, and the private sector, establishing SNV as a thought leader in the Agri-food, Energy, and Water sectors.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with national and international stakeholders to promote SNV’s work and influence policy dialogue.
- Business Development and Fundraising
- Lead the development of project proposals and concept notes, collaborating with internal teams and partners.
- Identify new funding opportunities and maintain a healthy project pipeline to ensure continued program innovation and growth.
- Monitor sector trends and maintain strong relationships with current and potential donors to secure future funding.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Agriculture, Environmental Science, Energy, Water Resource Management, Development Studies).
- At least 8 years of progressive leadership experience in international development, including multi-sectoral program management.
- Proven experience managing large-scale, donor-funded programs in the agrifood, energy, or water sectors overseeing multiple projects and teams in complex contexts.
- Strong experience in business development, proposal writing, and donor engagement.
- Deep understanding of systems strengthening, climate adaptation, gender equality, and inclusive market development.
- Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (SNV’s corporate language).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven experience in integrated programming and cross-sectoral approaches, including climate adaptation and private sector engagement.
- Experience in multi-stakeholder coordination, particularly in engaging with governments, donors, and private sector actors.
- Familiarity with Lao PDR’s development context and relevant policies.
Additional Information
Working for SNV
We are home to 57 cultures working in 22 countries, with about 95% of our team members holding the nationality of the respective countries we work in. We promote (international) career development. Our workforce consists of a mix of both people with longstanding tenure, willing to share their institutional knowledge, as well as people with external backgrounds and experience. All with an inquisitive view and united in ‘ONE SNV’ working towards our purpose.
Together, we are committed to the effective and efficient stewardship of resources and maximising positive, lasting impacts. Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, technical knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.
At SNV, inclusivity is at the heart of our ethos. We celebrate the diversity of our workforce and uphold a policy of non-discrimination based on factors such as disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and more.
Additional information:
- Contract duration: 2 years with potential for extension
- Contract type: International employment contract
- Start date: 1st October 2025
How to apply
If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and letter of motivation by 27th of August 2025.
Reference and vetting check
We will require that you provide us with the full details of three people willing to act as a reference. We will not contact these references without your explicit permission.
SNV carries out rigorous background and reference checks concerning possible safeguarding incidents for all candidates applying for International determined positions. As SNV participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a request to past employers to fill in a questionnaire regarding Misconduct (sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment), the “Statement of Conduct“. This Statement of Conduct adopts the definitions used in the Scheme.
